New Ombuds at Sandia

Mauricio ("Reese") Ramos is leaving UCLA to join the ombuds office at Sandia National Laboratories. Ramos will work out of Sandia's facility in Livermore, California, and provide dispute resolution services and training for employees. (Related Ombuds Blog post Musical Chairs at the University of California.)

Update: Cal Caucus 2010

The California Caucus of College & University Ombuds has updated information for its 37th meeting on November 7-10, 2010.

The organizers have added Charles Howard to the list of presenters, which also includes Lisa Neale, Mary Chavez Rudolph, Jenna Brown, Martine Conway and Kerry Egdorf, Mauricio Ramos, D. A. Graham, and Lewis Redding. In addition, the early bird deadline has been extended through October 8. (Cal Caucus Info.)

Prior post: Revitalized California Caucus Opens Registration for Fall 2010 Meeting.

IOA Opens Registration and Posts Agenda for 2012 Conference

Registration is now open for the Seventh Annual Conference of the International Ombudsman Association on April 13–18, 2012 at the Hyatt Regency in Houston, Texas. Special pricing is being offered for attendees who also register for Ombuds 101. Priority registration closes on March 23. IOA has also posted an expected agenda for the conference.

Day One -- Monday, April 16, 2012

Conference Welcome & Opening Remarks

Keynote Address: David Yamada, Professor of Law, Suffolk University Law School

IOA Pre-Annual Business Meeting Discussion (Limited to IOA Members Only)

Lunch

Concurrent Sessions

• Resolving 21st Century Disputes with a Pre-Historic Mind (Geoff Drucker, Manager, Dispute Resolution Services, American Health Lawyers Association)
• Understanding Your Cultural Patterns Across Conflict Styles (Bernard Anderson, Associate University Ombuds, Kennesaw State University; Deidra Dennie, Director of EEO, Kennesaw State University)
• Confidentiality as a Standard of Practice, Challenged and Challenging (Ilene Butensky, VP Office of the Ombuds, Eaton Corporation; Nicholas Diehl, Deputy Ombudsman, American Red Cross; Charles Howard, Partner, Shipman & Goodwin LLP; Craig Mousin, University Ombudsperson, DePaul University; The JIOA Editorial Board)
• Supervisors are People, Too: Ombuds Work with Managers (Kirsten Schwehm, Ombudsperson, Louisiana State University; Jim Wohl, Ombudsperson, Auburn University)
• The Ombuds as Trainer (Melissa Brodrick, Ombudsperson, Harvard Medical School/Dental School/School of Public Health; David Michael, Deputy Ombudsman, National Institutes of Health)
• Systems Thinking in the Ombuds Office: Theory, Tools, and Practice (Howard Gadlin, Ombudsman, National Institutes of Health; Wendell Jones, Ombudsman (Emeritus), Sandia National Laboratories; Jan Morse, Ombudsman, University of Minnesota)

Concurrent Sessions

• Why Internationally Mobile Students Need (more) Internationally Active Ombudsmen (Josef Leidenfrost, Austrian Student Ombudsman)
• Rethinking the Ombuds Role When Mediating (Howard Gadlin, Ombudsman, National Institutes of Health; David Michael, Deputy Ombudsman, National Institutes of Health)
• Exposing the Best Kept Secret - Ombudsing Works (Ilene Butensky, Eaton Corporation)
• Case Review with an Experienced Ombuds (Tom Sebok, Director, Ombuds Office, University of Colorado, Boulder; Mary Chavez Rudolph, Associate Director, Ombuds Office, University of Colorado Denver)
• The Neuro-Ombuds: Apollo 13, the Ombudsman and Helping Visitors Create Breakthroughs (Mauricio Ramos, Corporate Ombudsman, Sandia National Labs)
• Managing the “Proximity Effect” – Impact on Ombuds’ Visitor Demographics and Office Utilization in Global Organizations (Patricia Lynch, Ombudsman, United Technologies Corporation; Odile Rheaume, Respectful Workplace Advisor Program Administrator, The World Bank Group; Thomas Zgambo, Ombudsman, The World Bank Group)

Cocktails with the IOA Board

Day Two -- Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Keynote Address: Michael Dues, Lecturer, University of Arizona, Management Consultant

IOA Annual Business Meeting (Limited to IOA Members Only)

Concurrent Plenary Sessions (for Non-Members)

• The Ombuds Behind the Scenes (Jayla Henry, Halliburton)

Lunch / Lunch for Ombudsman New to the Profession & First Time Attendees*

Concurrent Sessions

• Analyze This! Adapting the Law School IRAC Framework to Ombuds Case Analysis (Donna Douglass Williams, Ombudsperson, World Health Organization; Indumati Sen, Ombudsman, International Baccalaureate Organization)
• Corporate Organizational Ombudsman Round Table (Amos Morale, Ombudsman, Marathon Oil Company; Gary Yamashita, Manager, Global Office of Ombuds, Chevron Corporation)
• A Classical Ombudsman's Survival in Tough Economic Times (Stephanie Maxberry, Ombudsman, Los Angeles County Office of Ombudsman)
• The Process of Bullying (Sue Theiss, University Ombudsman, Oregon State University)
• Increasing Your Effectiveness with Visitors: Establishing Rapport and Engaging in Case Reflection (Mary Chavez Rudolph, Ombudsman, University of Colorado Denver; Howard Gadlin, NIH Ombudsman, National Institutes of Health; Patricia Ponce, Associate Ombuds, California Polytechnic State University; Tom Sebok, Director, Ombuds Office, University of Colorado Boulder)
• Latest Developments in the Certified Organizational Ombudsman Practioner® (CO-OP®) Program (Constance Bernard, Ombudsman, The World Bank Group; Wendy Friede, Consulting Ombuds, Friede Consulting Services; Jennifer Moumneh, Associate Ombudsman, University of California, Irvine; Albin Swenson, Ombudsman, Chevron Corporation; Marsha Wagner, University Ombuds Officer, Columbia University)

Sector Forum Discussions

• Academic
• ADR
• Corporate
• Government
• International
• Other

Day Three -- Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Keynote Address: Sherry D. Williams, Esq., Sr. VP, Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer, Halliburton

General Session (Thomas Zgambo, Ombudsman, The World Bank Group)

Volunteer Recognition Luncheon

Concurrent Sessions

• A Quest for Fairness (Douglas Melville, Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investments (Canada))
• Straight Thinking: Common Logical Fallacies an Ombuds Should Know (Brian Bloch, Ombudsman, ISKCONResolve)
• Inclusion of the Physically Challenged in the Workforce (Chantal Perreault, President, Ombudsman Solution)
• Employment Law for Ombuds – What do we really need to know? (Judy Bruner, UC San Diego)
• Ombudsman Pecha Kucha (Nicholas Diehl, Deputy Ombudsman, American Red Cross)
• The Culture Bump® Approach: Embracing our Prejudices… An Ombudsman’s Guide to Universal Connections (Carol Archer, Instructor, University of Houston; Jim Wohl, Ombudsman, Auburn University; Stacey Nickson, Assistants Director, Biggio Center, Auburn University)
• Concurrent Sessions What Would You Do? (Melinda Miner, Sr. Ombudsman and Analyst, Halliburton Dispute Resolution Program)
• What To Do With All That Data?! (Kelley Alexander, Ombudsperson, Georgia State University)
• You Can Remain Plugged In – Using Electronic Communication and Remaining Confidential – The Next Generation (Craig Mousin, University Ombudsperson, DePaul University; Arlene Yetnikoff, Director of Information Security, DePaul University)
• The Sustainable Ombuds: Taking Charge of Taking Care (R. Ellen Schreiber, Ombuds, University of Idaho)
• Corporate Organizational Ombudsman Round Table (Amos Morale, Ombudsman, Marathon Oil Company; Gary Yamashita, Manager, Global Office of Ombuds, Chevron Corporation)
• Ombudsing in a VUCA World (Dr. Patrick Robardet, Montreal (French) School Board)

(IOA 2012 Conf. Info.)

Related posts: IOA Posts Agenda for 2011 Conference; IOA Announces Keynote Speakers for 2012 Conference.

International Forum on Online Dispute Resolution

Frank Fowlie, ICANN Ombuds, is chair of the Seventh Annual International Forum on Online Dispute Resolution in Victoria, BC, June 18-19, 2008. The two-day Forum brings together the world's leading practitioners, academics, students, and civil society to discuss the resolution of disputes using online technologies. The keynote speakers will be Dr. Vinton Cerf, inventor of the Internet, and Dr. Jose Ramos Horta, 1996 Nobel Peace Prize winner and President of East Timor. In addition, Ambassador Patricia Durrant, the former UN Ombudsman, will participate in discussions on ODR and Peace. Registration is free, but limited to 150 participants. (ODR Forum 2008.)

2011 Corporate Organizational Ombuds Roundtable Described as Successful

Organizers of the latest Corporate Organizational Ombuds Roundtable (COOR) at M.D. Anderson say the event was a big success. Hoping to generate more interest and attendance at next year's event, COOR has released an Agenda Supplement with presentation descriptions from the roundtable on September 15-16, 2011 in Houston.

2011 Corporate Organizational
Ombuds Roundtable (COOR)

Agenda Supplement

Presentation Descriptions

1. Welcome to M. D. Anderson and Introductions by Anu Rao [bold not in original, see note below] and the M.D. Anderson Ombuds Office

2. ADR Internationally, Locally and Contractually by Dan Fontaine, Esq., M.D. Anderson Senior Vice President Business Affairs and Regulation

Introduction, background and history of the MD Anderson Cancer Center. The role of ADR and the importance of the Ombuds office in the growth of the center locally and internationally using examples of contractual language and process descriptions.

3. Purpose, Direction & Structure of COOR by Sean Banks and Anamaris Cousins Price

Call-in participation and live discussion. History of the COOR group. What should its purpose be and how can it best serve the needs of corporate organizational ombuds? The new Mission Statement. Exploration of various alternative structures for COOR going forward; hurdles to overcome, costs and benefits of independence. Selection of the Host for the next Roundtable, formation of the planning and governance committees.

4. Organizational Ombuds Shield Law Effort by Ralph Hasson

Organizational Ombuds Shield Law efforts then, now and in the future. Progress and roadblocks in previous legislative sessions from 2004 to the next session in 2013. A breakdown of the costs to champion this effort. Thanks to contributors for their efforts, time and funding. Explanation of the challenges and how to overcome them in the next legislative session. A call for support to get a shield law passed in Texas, throughout the United States and internationally.

5. Creating, Managing & Maintaining a Positive Perception of an Ombuds Program by Carol Breslin and Al Swenson

How do ombuds adhere to their charters and manage perceptions? How do you create, maintain and/or change perceptions to market Independence, Neutrality, Impartiality and Informality? Interactive discussions of working scenarios, IOA standards of practice and sharing of ombuds best practices.

6. Roundtable discussion on various topics facilitated by Mauricio Ramos

Ombuds data management, supervisors & employees working at different locations, interacting with EAP & HR, social media, technology, the need to update IOA standards of practice in light of today’s technology, ombuds effectiveness, ombuds reporting, coaching, annual reports, expectations of visitors and confidentiality, leadership changes, ombuds therapy, etc.

Potential topics for the 2012 Roundtable include technology and social media presentations to name just a few.

Special thanks to M.D. Anderson for hosting such a successful Roundtable and to Chevron, Marathon Oil, Shell and Halliburton for sponsoring the meals. Many thanks to all presenters and participants for making this a truly enjoyable professional experience. We look forward to welcoming all corporate ombuds to join us for our 2012 Roundtable.

Related posts: Corporate Ombuds Group Meeting Set for October 14-15 [2010]; Corporate Ombuds Roundtable to Meet in Houston [2011]; Corporate Organizational Ombuds Roundtable Teleconference.

Note: The Ombuds Blog recently adopted a style rule of putting the names of Organizational Ombuds in bold type.  The original document from COOR did not distinguish the names of the participants.

UCLA Ombuds Office Marks 40 Years of Service

The Office of Ombuds Services at the University of California Los Angeles will host an open house March 31 to celebrate more than four decades of service to the campus.  An article in the staff and faculty newsletter profiles the office headed by Kathleen Canul and including Brenda Woods-Patin, Katy Kolodziejski, Thomas Griffin and Tom Kosakowski.

Canul said that staff use the Ombud's Office more than faculty, but when faculty do come in, their problems are often more entrenched. Among staff and students, women are more more frequent visitors. (UCLA Today.)

Related posts: New Ombuds at UCLA; Pepperdine Law School Revives Ombuds Course.

Alumni of the UCLA Ombuds Office are an impressive bunch and include Howard Gadlin (NIH), Sean Banks (Shell), Reese Ramos (Sandia NL),  and Jennifer Moumneh (UC Irvine).

IOA Offers Training Programs at 2012 Conference

The International Ombudsman Association will offer several training programs before its annual conference in Houston on April 15.

Pre-Conference Full Day Courses

• Conflict Coaching for the Organizational Ombuds withMelissa Brodrick, Ombudsperson, Harvard Medical School/Dental School/School of Public Health 
• Using Mediation to Deal with Workplace Bullyingwith Barbara McCulloch, The University of Auckland, New Zealand 

Pre-Conference Half Day Morning Courses

• Improving the Organization's Conflict Climatewith Michael Dues, Professor, University of Arizona, andSue Theiss, Ombudsman, Oregon State University 
• Mind-Hack: Ombudsing with the Brain in Mindwith Mauricio Ramos, Corporate Ombudsman, Sandia National Labs

Pre-Conference Half Day Afternoon Courses

• Managing Up: Helping Visitors Improve Relationships with their Supervisorswith Nancy Day, Faculty Ombudsperson, University of Missouri, Kansas City, and Doranne Hudson, Associate Teaching Professor & Executive in Residence, University of Missouri, Kansas City 
• The Culture Bump® Approach: Embracing our Prejudices… An Ombudsman’s Guide to Universal Connectionswith Carol Archer, Instructor, LCC/University of Houston,Jim Wohl, Ombudsman, Auburn University, andStacey Nickson, Associate Director, Biggio Center, Auburn University

(IOA Pre-Conference Training Info.)

Related posts: IOA Announces 2011 Pre-Conference Courses; IOA Announces Keynote Speakers for 2012 Conference; IOA Opens Registration and Posts Agenda for 2012 Conference.

Revitalized California Caucus Opens Registration for Fall 2010 Meeting

The California Caucus of College & University Ombuds will hold its 37th meeting at the Asilomar Conference Center in Pacific Grove, California, November 7-10, 2010. Registration is now open for the event, which has the theme, "The Ecology of Ombudsing – Building Sustainable Value."

At Cal Caucus participants will learn, share, network, and develop skills and knowledge for Ombudsing as a profession. Confirmed workshop presenters include Lisa Neale, Mary Chavez Rudolph, Jenna Brown, Martine Conway and Kerry Egdorf, Mauricio Ramos, D. A. Graham, and Lewis Redding. The registration prices start at $550 for double occupancy and $700 for single, room and meals included. (Cal Caucus Info.)

Prior posts: New Website for California Caucus; Cal Caucus Will Not Convene in 2009; California Caucus Returns After Year Hiatus.

IOA Announces Board Nominees

Eleven ombuds have been nominated for the International Ombudsman Association Board of Directors. When electronic voting ends on February 1, five will be appointed to the Board. In addition, there are two nominations for the single associate member representative. To supplement the candidates' statements provided by IOA, here is a collection of further information about the candidates.

Board of Directors Candidates

• Camilo Azcarate -- Princeton U.; News@Princeton; UMass Alumni News; Mediate.com; IOA 2006 Conference Speaker Bio
• David Carver -- U. Nebraska Medical Center
• Thomas Kosakowski -- Claremont Graduate U.; UCLA Today; Engaging Conflicts; Ombuds Blog posts
• Janet Morse -- U. Minnesota; U. Minnesota Faculty Report;
• Pierre Niedlispacher -- Coca Cola Enterprises; IOA 2006 Conference Speaker Bio
• Theresa Prator -- Southern California Ombuds Group
• Mauricio "Reese" Ramos -- UCLA Today; Ombuds Blog post
• Michael Turpenoff -- Federal Student Aid; FSA Ombudsman News
• Donna Williams -- Georgia State U.
• Jennifer Wolf -- UCLA Today; UC Irvine; Ombuds Blog post
• Gary Yamashita -- Incument (Treasurer); IOA 2006 Conference Speaker Bio; American Bar Assn 2002 Speaker Bio; Ombuds Blog post

Associate Member Representative Candidates

• Roxanne Schreiber -- U. Idaho; IOA 2006 Conference Speaker Bio
• Katherine Ziff -- Ohio U.; American Counseling Assn.

Related post: Balloting Begins for IOA Board.